For Rob, engineering has always been about more than equipment. It’s about people, processes and creating an environment where everyone can perform at their best.
Since joining Oceanscan as Group Technical Manager in May 2025, Rob has taken responsibility for engineering operations across the group’s facilities in Aberdeen, Singapore and Houston, bringing consistency to workshops, strengthening procedures and helping build an engineering function capable of supporting Oceanscan’s ambitious growth plans.
With more than 15 years’ experience in subsea calibration and engineering management, Rob combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for developing people and continuously improving the way the business operates.
“Engineering isn’t just about fixing equipment. It’s about creating the right processes, building a motivated team and making lots of small improvements that together make a huge difference.”
Rob’s career began as a trainee calibration engineer in 2009 before progressing through roles including Lead Calibration Engineer, Supervisor and Workshop Manager. Alongside practical experience, he holds an HNC in Electronic Engineering and a degree in Petroleum Geology and Geoscience, while currently studying Environmental Management and Geography through the Open University.
That combination of technical knowledge and leadership experience has shaped the way he approaches his role today.
“I enjoy identifying people’s individuals strengths and passions, and helping them reach their potential,” Rob explains. “If you create a positive environment where people enjoy coming to work, you’ll always get the best from the team.”
Building strong foundations
One of Rob’s first priorities after joining Oceanscan was taking stock of the engineering operations during an exciting period of change.
With the move into the company’s new Aberdeen headquarters underway, he played a key role in designing and establishing the expanded workshop and subsea calibration facility while reviewing procedures, organising equipment and introducing greater consistency across the group’s global engineering operations.
The focus has been on ensuring every workshop follows the same high standards while clearly defining roles, responsibilities and processes that support quality at every stage.
“I’m always looking for that little bit extra. There’s rarely one big change that transforms everything. It’s about tightening things up, tidying processes and constantly asking how we can do something just that little bit better. Lots of small improvements make a big difference.”
Over the next few years, Rob’s ambitions are equally clear. He is leading the development of new engineering check sheets that not only ensure the best quality for our customers, but also act as training and competency guides that support experienced engineers and help develop the next generation of talent. Alongside this, he is focused on expanding Oceanscan’s subsea calibration capabilities, growing the customer base and increasing workshop capacity to deliver larger, more complex equipment spreads.
A passion for subsea calibration
Subsea calibration remains close to Rob’s heart. Having spent much of his career working within calibration, he has developed extensive technical knowledge and built strong relationships across the industry.
“Calibration has always been my background. It’s an area I really enjoy, and it’s exciting to be building something that will become a major capability for Oceanscan.”
That expertise is helping shape one of the company’s key areas of investment as Oceanscan continues to expand its calibration services from its purpose-built Aberdeen facility.
The power of collaboration
Although Rob oversees engineering, he believes success depends on close collaboration across the business. He credits the encouragement of senior leadership, including Brett and Derek, for giving him the opportunity to make a real impact at Oceanscan, while also highlighting the importance of working closely with colleagues across other departments.
His relationship with the sales team, particularly Andrew Lumsden, has been instrumental in ensuring engineering and commercial teams work together to deliver the best outcomes for customers.
“Having that close relationship between engineering and sales means we understand each other’s challenges and ultimately provide a better service for our customers.”
Every job matters
When asked what sets Oceanscan apart, Rob’s answer is simple.
“We’re growing quickly, but we’ve never lost sight of what’s important. Every single job matters. Every customer matters. Every project is an opportunity to build a long-term relationship.”
He believes Oceanscan combines exceptional technical capability with a genuinely customer-focused culture.
“We’ve got an incredibly talented group of people here. The level of expertise across the business is outstanding, but nobody stands still. There’s a real culture of looking for the next improvement, however small, because that’s how you continue to raise standards for customers.”
Whether it’s developing a bespoke cable assembly, configuring a complex subsea spread or finding an engineering solution to an operational challenge, Rob enjoys working directly with customers to solve problems.
“Helping customers overcome challenges is probably the most satisfying part of the job. Finding the right solution and seeing it make a real difference is what it’s all about.”
Proud of what we’ve built
One moment stands above the rest during Rob’s time at Oceanscan so far: the opening of the company’s new Aberdeen headquarters. Having been heavily involved in planning the engineering spaces and calibration facilities, welcoming customers, suppliers and partners through the doors during the official opening was a proud milestone.
“There was a real mix of emotions. Relief, pride and excitement. We’d worked incredibly hard to get everything ready, and seeing people’s reactions made it all worthwhile.”
For Rob, the new facility represents much more than a modern workshop.
“It’s the space Oceanscan deserves. I genuinely believe it’s one of the best engineering and subsea calibration facilities of its kind in Aberdeen. It’s a fantastic place to get the job done, but just as importantly, it’s a great place for people to come to work.”
From watching colleagues make full use of the shared breakout spaces to enjoying plane spotting at the neighbouring Aberdeen airport during lunch breaks, Rob believes creating a positive working environment is every bit as important as investing in equipment.
As Oceanscan continues to grow globally, his focus remains unchanged: developing people, strengthening engineering excellence and ensuring customers receive the highest standards of quality, consistency and support – every time.
